Russia’s Uralsvyazinform opens NGN/IP services based on Alcatel solutions

Paris, July 11, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced the successful deployment for its next generation network (NGN), multimedia and IP backbone transport solutions for Uralsvyazinform, the leading fixed and mobile services in the Urals region of Russia.

In frame of this integrated project, initiated in 2004 and comprising seven implementation phases, Alcatel delivered its IP-based NGN solution which allows Uralsviazinform to offer innovative broadband services such as VoIP, IP virtual private networks (IP VPN), unified messaging, and enhanced Internet services. Phases 1 and 2 of the project were finalized in mid 2005, while phases 3 and 4 were completed in December 2005 and June 2006. Another 3 phases are scheduled for the second half of this year, including the introduction of converged IP-multimedia services, which are a key requirement of Uralsviazinform.

Alcatel’s solution for Uralsvyazinform is based on its IMS-compliant Alcatel 5020 Softswitch, the Alcatel 7515 Media Gateways and 8690 OSP ensuring full-featured voice support and a cost effective migration to NGN for Uralsvyazinform’s traditional voice services. This equipment is deployed in combination with the Alcatel 7750 Service Router (SR), which provides a Quality of Service (QoS) aware service delivery backbone. The Alcatel 1300 Convergent Network Management Center (CMC) will manage the end-to-end solution.

Alcatel has also supplied Uralsviazinform with its Mobile NGN solution for the extension and modernization of the operator’s mobile network. The solution will include Alcatel’s Spatial Atrium innovative, standard-based distributed mobile switching solution, together with the Alcatel 5020 Spatial Atrium Softswitch and two media gateways. Alcatel’ NGN solution for fixed and mobile networks will allow Uralsviazinform to migrate to IMS architecture in the future and provide a wide range of converged fixed/mobile broadband services.

Sergey Bershev, deputy general director of OAO Uralsvyazinform, commented: “Our company has partnered with Alcatel for more than 12 years on a number of network modernization projects. In the highly competitive Russian telecommunication market, the implementation of new advanced services is a key success factor for a service provider. Our joint NGN project will enable us to expand the range and quality of services offered to our customers as well as reduce our operating expenses. The NGN solution delivered by Alcatel will enable subscribers of OAO Uralsviazinform to create personal or corporate information environment of a new level, to rationally manage any types of information traffics, which should result in a new quality of performance, education process, leisure and significant time savings.”

Johan Vanderplaetse, vice-president for Alcatel in the CIS said: “OAO Uralsvyazinform is a strategic partner for Alcatel in Russia. The converged NGN infrastructure and enhanced service delivery capabilities bring innovative, dynamic and cost-effective solutions to Uralsvyazinform and will contribute to further strengthen their leadership position in the Russian telecommunications market”.

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion in 2005, Alcatel operates with 58.000 employees in more than 130 countries. http://www.alcatel.com

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Régine Coqueran

Corporate Media Relations

Alcatel

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